A teenager who posted a message on Facebook encouraging rioters has been banned from using any social networking websites for a year.

Appearing at Bury St Edmonds Youth Court, the 17-year-old - who cannot be named for legal reasons - admitted to sending the message on Facebook.

Magistrate Graham Higgins banned the teenager from using social media sites for 12 months, as well as ordering him to complete 120 hours of community service and a 12-month rehabilitation order. He also imposed a 7pm and 6am curfew for three months.

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The court heard that the boy wrote on Facebook: "I think we should start rioting, it's about time we stopped the authorities pushing us about and ruining this country.

"It's about time we stood up for ourselves for once. So come on rioters - get some. LOL."

Chris Johnson, the solicitor representing Blackshaw, said that the 21-year-old and his family were "somewhat shocked by the sentence" and plan to appeal, reports BBC News.

Blackshaw and Sutcliffe-Keenan had pleaded guilty under sections 44 and 46 of the Serious Crime Act to encouraging others to assist the commission of an indictable offence.

They had created a Facebook event called "Smash d[o]wn in Northwich Town", which was intended for the receipt of the "Mob Hill Massive Northwich Lootin". The event called on people to meet on August 9 in Northwich town centre.

Johnson, of Moss Haselhurst solicitors in Winsford, told BBC News: "It was something which was started as a joke by Jordan. Obviously it was rather misplaced and misguided.

"We are not aware of anyone taking up the call that they made. Northwich, as far as we understand, has remained peaceful."

The sentences handed to rioters have attracted criticism from MPs, barristers and campaigners concerned that they are too harsh and could cause further social unrest.